Library Service Specialist (Youth or Adult)

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
DIVISION / SECTION: Customer Experience / Neighborhood Libraries
Workday & Hours: Monday - Sunday , 8:00 AM - 8:15 PM (rotating) ***subject to change***

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Houston Public Library (HPL) is seeking a team-oriented person with a passion for customer service to work as a Library Service Specialist Neighborhood Libraries. Successful candidates will provide exceptional customer service for all ages, enjoy working with technology, communicate effectively, and enjoy interacting with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds.

The Library Service Specialist (Adult Services) be responsible for the following:
*Interact with customers at the customer service desk and via the phone to find basic information and library materials.
*Facilitate the use of the public computers and laptops and troubleshoot technology-related issues.
*Provide information regarding library services, programs, policies, and procedures.
*Retrieve library materials for customers and shelve returned library.
*Provide programming in the library for all ages including book clubs, senior programming, English classes, citizenship computer classes, business resources, job searching, and after school programs.
*Facilitate the use of the library technology, introducing new technologies to library customers, and troubleshooting technology-related issues.
*Work with local community groups, other libraries, and city departments.
*May serve as the Assistant Manager or as the person in charge in the absence of the manager, especially during night and weekend shifts.
*Position requires one evening per week and a weekend rotation (Saturday and Sunday).

The Library Service Specialist (Youth Service) be responsible for the following:
*Greet and interact with customers at the customer service desk and via the phone to find basic information and library materials.
*Facilitate the use of the public computers and laptops, troubleshoot technology-related issues.
*Provide innovative programming in the library for youth of all ages including story time, crafts, video gaming, STEM kits, after school programs, and passive programming.
*Conduct outreach and collaborate with local community groups, other libraries, and city departments, as well as schools and day cares.
*Utilize general knowledge of literature and resources to promote many services like literacy and homework help resources such as Brainfuse and Learning Express Library.
*Provide information regarding library services, programs, policies, and procedures.
*Retrieve library materials for customers and shelve returned library materials.
*Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

HPL serves a population of 2.2 million citizens through a network of 42 library locations spread out across the Houston area. Applicants are encouraged to submit a Cover Letter and Resume when applying. For a location listing, please visit www.houstonlibrary.org/hpl-locations .

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions. Requires the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances; or the ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements on patterned response space within low tolerance demands with no real speed requirements.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
No experience is required.
Related professional/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-to-year basis.

SUBSTITUTIONS:
Associate’s degree and two years of professional/paraprofessional experience in library, information services, or education may be substituted for the education requirement.
Four years professional/paraprofessional experience in library, information services, or education may be substituted for the education requirement.

PREFERENCES

*Proficient computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
*Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.
*Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
*Experience working with children and families.
*Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with others.
*Experience working in a public library setting.
*To better serve our diverse communities, fluency in a foreign language is highly preferred.

***Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.***

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
The selection process will involve application review and/or Interview. The department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - NO
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

PAY GRADE - 13

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-0473).

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-0473. (TTY 7-1-1). If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided. Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume along with their completed application when applying.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 8/25/2026 11:59 PM Central